Krystal
Finding the right college is always a difficult decision to make. Every school offers something slightly different compared to the next one. Comparing each college down to the smallest items is a great idea when picking a school because I think this helps in students never transferring and finishing at the same college. Though whether a student decides to transfer is not the most important item here. When comparing apply to the schools you narrowed down to because if you're indecisive of where to attend, like most young adults are, the schools will then decifer whether you get in to their school. Also I think the next important factor is how personal you want your experience which involves if the school is small or large. I prefer a one on one with a professor to learn as much as possible so I attended a small school. Attending a small school also helps with the going out and party scene, there's less distractions in this area. Attending a big school like penn state there's many of these distractions. Lastly, from beginning to the end, you should be applying to the best school for your major.
Erin
Visit all colleges of your choice so that you can make the right decision. Be sure to inquire as to if they have things of your interest and ask about the crime rate and safety measures. It is very important!
Christine
The first thing I would suggest is try to visit any colleges that you may be interested in. When you visit, talk to people and ask many questions as you need to. This is your future, so you are allowed to be picky. I would also suggest to research the extra curricular activities. I came to my college because I was told that there was a girl's lacrosse club team. When I got here I found out that the team broke up a year ago and I was very disappointed. You can find out if there are clubs and groups for things that you are interested in. Clubs and organizations are one of the best ways to meet people. My third suggestion is to have a good balance between academics and social life. I'm a big believer that in college, education comes first and fun comes later. On the other hand, it necessary to get out there and have a good time with your friends. It is important to stay focused and remember why you are in college, but it is also important to take a breather and let your hair down.
Mackenzie
Allow enough time to research and visit each college and make a list of those items which you feel are important so you can compare. You will usually feel comfortable on campus if the school fits you, otherwise, ask for an overnight stay. This will really help you determine what the campus and housing is like. If you love sports, you can achieve good grades along with playing a sport. You just have to work hard at what you want and anything is possible.
Greg
You really should know what you want to do when you come to college! I know people figure it out when they get there, but you should really research things before you go to school! If i knew everything in High School that i know now I would have made a much better college choice. Albright College is amazing, but I could have made a better choice that's good for my major. I love Albright. I've made some of the best friends i'll ever make in my life, but it's not academically up to par as it should and could be!
Paul
I would say that make sure you visit multiple schools. Become knowledgable about not only the school but the surrounding area. Spend time on campus with current students to get a feel for campus life and academic life. Make sure when you visit that you have a list of questions that you may have regarding, academics, finances, extracurricular activities, etc. so that you can get all your questions answered. If available, visit a classroom in your desired area of study, so you can get a feel for the academic demands. If you do all these things at every campus you visit, you will be sure to pick the right place for you. Also, be sure to apply for all the scholarships and grants that you can. Every little bit helps.
Dave
go and visit the school. it doesnt make a difference until you see it in person. if it's located somewhere where it snows, make sure you visit in the winter time, because youre the one thats going to have to be there all winter as long as you're enrolled there.
Meredith
Parents should play an active role in finding a college: going on campus tours with the students, reading through brochures and catalogs, talking about possible selections, etc. I think it's imperative that parents support the student's decision about which college they want to go to. Even if the parent doesn't think the college is good enough or a right fit for their child, it is ultimately the student's choice, and the student will feel better about their selection if they know their parents are behind them, no matter what. The student should make their choice after visiting campuses and doing as much research about their schools as possible. Based on their goals for their college career (what classes they want to take, how socially active they want to be), they should choose a school that would help them achieve those goals the best. Once their college life starts, they shouldn't let any opportunity pass them by. Participate in all the classes and extra-curricular activities you want. Enjoy it while you can, because these are supposed to be the best years of our lives.
Nicole
I would tell the students to apply to as many schools as you want to and try not to listen to people that tell you that you won't make it. Just apply and see what happens. To the parents I would just say let your children apply and learn about each school. Give them a chance to grow by them picking the school that they think best suits them no matter how far it is. Just give it a chance.
Elizabeth
Don't make them go to a school that you choose. They really have to like the school that they will be going to or else they will have a horrible time.